scholarly journals Blogs: A qualitative investigation into an instructor and undergraduate students' experiences

Author(s):  
Erkan Tekinarslan

<span>This study reports on the experiences of an instructor and an undergraduate class who used blogs in their teaching and learning environment at Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey. Qualitative data were collected from observation of students' activities when working on blogs in the classroom, analyses of students' blog documents on the web, and interviews with 42 students. Most students reflected that blogs are user friendly and convenient tools for publishing and sharing studies. Moreover, blog implementations contributed positively to students' information searching and writing skills, despite the limited opportunities that many students had for Internet access outside the university. However, students' ignorance regarding copyright issues and their tendency to copy information from online sources and paste it into their blogs was a common problem.</span>

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Ukeme Ekpedeme Umoh ◽  
Etuk Nssien Etuk

<p class="apa">The study examined ‘Students’ Involvement in Social Networking and attitudes towards its Integration into Teaching. The study was carried out in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 17,618 undergraduate students enrolled into full time degree programmes in the University of Uyo for 2014/2015 academic session. The design of the study was survey design with ex-post facto approach. Random sampling technique was used to select 1730 students from the 12 faculties in the University. The instrument used for the study was ‘Students’ Social Networking and Attitude Questionnaire which was validated by an expert in curriculum studies and an expert in measurement and evaluation in the University of Uyo. Cronbach’s Alpha Statistical method was used to determine the reliability coefficient of .70 for the instrument. Two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance guided the study. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer research questions; Independent t-test and Analysis of Variance were used to test the hypotheses. The results show that there is significant difference in involvement of university undergraduate students in Social Networking based on course of study, level (year) of study and age. Female undergraduate students’ involvement in social networking is higher than that of their male counterparts; but male undergraduate students showed a higher positive attitude towards integration of social networking into teaching and learning.</p>


Author(s):  
Diego Fogaça Carvalho ◽  
Marinez Meneghello Passos ◽  
Sergio De Mello Arruda ◽  
Angela Marta Pereira das Dores Savioli

ResumoNeste artigo analisamos as relações com o saber, com o ensinar e com o aprender em atividades desenvolvidas em um subprojeto de Matemática no Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID). Os dados consistiram no registro das ações realizadas em sala de aula por um supervisor (professor), seis estudantes da licenciatura em Matemática e alunos do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola pública do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Para a interpretação dos dados foi utilizado um instrumento que possibilita evidenciar as relações com o saber na sala de aula denominado Matriz 3x3. As análises revelaram implicações da ação do supervisor na ação tanto dos estudantes universitários quanto dos alunos da escola e, consequentemente, nas relações que estes estabeleceram com o saber, o ensinar e o aprender.AbstractIn this article we analyze the relationship with knowledge, with teaching and with learning in activities developed in a subproject of Mathematics in the Institutional Program of Initiation to Teaching (PIBID). The data consisted of the registration of actions carried out in the classroom by a supervisor (teacher), six undergraduate students in Mathematics and students of the Elementary School of a public school in the state of Paraná, Brazil. For the interpretation of the data we used an analytical instrument called Matrix 3x3. The analyses revealed the implications of the supervisor's action on the actions of the university students and of the school students and consequently on the relationships they established with knowledge, teaching and learning.


Author(s):  
Dandy George Dampson ◽  
Richardson Addai-Mununkum ◽  
Stephen Kwakye Apau ◽  
Joseph Bentil

This study investigated users’ perceptions of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Learning Management Systems (LMS) based on SWOT. The study adopted the explanatory sequential mixed methods which sampled 3272 students and 20 lecturers by using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, respectively. The study used questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using Means and Standard Deviations, Independent Samples t-test, and ANOVA. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study found that UEW LMS is perceived to have elements of weaknesses and threats as well as strengths and opportunities. The study further found that the users of LMS differ in their perceptions in terms of SWOT based on students’ age. The students, however, did not differ significantly in their perceptions of SWOT based on gender. The study recommended that the management of UEW LMS need to educate both lecturers and students about the benefits that LMS offers to its users. Management of the UEW should make the usage of the LMS compulsory for teaching and learning while taking into consideration the age, level as well as the programme of study in the design and implementation of subsequent online platforms for students and lecturers.


Author(s):  
John Stoszkowski

Flipgrid is an online video discussion platform designed to empower learners and facilitate social interaction between students. This paper reviews the use of Flipgrid to develop social learning with a cohort of undergraduate students at the University of Central Lancashire. Strengths and weaknesses of the Flipgrid platform are outlined, as well as potential barriers to its use, and future plans for incorporating it in teaching and learning.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Alexsandra Martins Da Silva ◽  
Camila Zanesco ◽  
Angélica Ribolli Cazarotto ◽  
Felipe Tecchio Borsoi ◽  
Camila Dervanoski ◽  
...  

Resumo: Este trabalho foi uma iniciativa do projeto “Ciências Biológicas – Uma Forma de Integrar e Construir a Prática Experimental”, cuja ação de destaque foi o incentivo ao ensino de Ciências Biológicas para alunos de ensino médio de dois municípios. Foram oferecidas aulas teóricas e práticas em laboratórios da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS), promovendo o contato de alunos e professores de escolas públicas com a universidade. Neste contexto, foi possível aproximá-los de atividades, materiais e equipamentos de prática científica e de ensino nas áreas de Ciências Biológicas, visando melhorias das condições de aprendizagem e estimulando os jovens dessas escolas para a participação no meio acadêmico-científico, aumentando a interação universidade/escola pública. Foram atendidas 15 turmas, totalizando cerca de 320 estudantes, que presenciaram as aulas de “Microscopia, células e tecidos”, “Tipagem sanguínea” e “Biodecomposição de alimentos orgânicos”. Esse trabalho possibilitou que os alunos tivessem contato prévio com o mundo das ciências e os incentivou para ingressar na universidade. Já os professores que acompanharam os alunos se sentiram instigados a manter a criatividade em sala de aula. Para os acadêmicos envolvidos, o projeto possibilitou o crescimento pessoal, instigando os mesmos a desenvolver aptidões, além do que lhes é ensinado em sala de aula. Palavras-chave: Práticas laboratoriais, ensino-aprendizagem, escola pública, extensão universitária.   The teaching of Biological Sciences - a theoretical and practical experience with students of high public schools Abstract: This article promotes the project ‘Ciências Biológicas – Uma Forma de Integrar e Construir a Prática Experimental’ (Biological Sciences – a way to integrate and to build experimental practices).  This initiative encouraged the teaching of biological sciences to high school students of two municipalities. Theoretical and practical classes were offered in the university labs of Universidade Federal Fronteira Sul –UFFS (Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil) in order to promote the contact of students and teachers of public schools with the university. In this context, it was possible to put the students in contact with procedures, equipments scientific and teaching practices in the areas of Biological Sciences. These activities aimed at improving learning and stimulating the students from the schools in which were part of the academic and scientific community, and as a result, to promote the interaction between university and public schools. Fifteen student groups took part in the project, which totaled around 320 students who had lessons on microscopy, cells and tissues, blood typing and biological decomposition of organic food. This project encouraged students that had a previous contact with the world of science to enter university. In addition, the teachers who accompanied the students were encouraged to continue being creative in their classes. For the undergraduate students involved, the project enabled personal growth and encouraged them to develop skills beyond what they were taught in the classroom. Key-words: Laboratory Practices, Teaching and Learning, Public School, University Extension.   La enseñanza de Ciencias Biológicas - una experiencia teórica y práctica con los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria en escuelas públicas Resumen: En este artículo, se hace un relato de un trabajo que tuvo una iniciativa del proyecto ‘Ciências Biológicas – Uma Forma de Integrar e Construir a Prática Experimental’ (Ciencias Biológicas – Una Forma de Integrar y Construir la Práctica Experimental), cuya acción principal fue el incentivo a la enseñanza de Ciencias Biológicas para alumnos de enseñanza media de dos municipios. Se les ofreció clases teóricas y prácticas en los laboratorios de la Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul – UFFS (Santa Catarina, sur de Brasil) promoviendo el contacto de alumnos y profesores de escuelas públicas con la universidad. En este espacio, fue posible aproximarlos a actividades, materiales y equipamientos de la práctica científica y de la enseñanza en las áreas de Ciencias Biológicas, buscando mejorías en las condiciones de aprendizaje y estimular los jóvenes de esas escuelas a la participación en el medio académico-científico, aumentando la interacción universidad/escuela pública. Han sido atendidos 15 grupos y cerca de 320 estudiantes, que fueron testigos de las lecciones de “Microscopía, células y tejidos”, “Tipo sanguíneo”, y “Biodescomposición de alimentos orgánicos”. Ese trabajo ha posibilitado que los alumnos tuvieran un contacto previo con el mundo de las ciencias y los ha incentivado a ingresar a la universidad. Por otro lado, los docentes que han acompañado a los alumnos se han sentido instigados a mantener la creatividad en las clases. Para los académicos involucrados, el proyecto ha posibilitado el crecimiento personal, instigándolos a crear aptitudes, más allá de lo que les es enseñado en el salón de clase. Palabras-clave: Extensión Universitaria, Popularización de la Ciencia, Escuela Secundaria, Enseñanza Científica.


Author(s):  
Asako Yoshida

In this exploratory study, a subject librarian and a writing instructor investigated the potential of designing blended learning around research paper assignments in the context of two foundational courses in the Faculty of Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba, Canada. The objective was to explore alternative, more embedded learning support for undergraduate students. The significance of blended learning support was situated in the broader literature of the teaching and learning practices in higher education. In this case study, descriptions of blended learning support for facilitating student learning, and of the main barrier to its implementation are provided. Based on what was learned in the exploratory study, the chapter provides working guidelines for designing and developing blended learning support, mainly drawing from Butler and Cartier’s (2004) research on academic engagement.


2012 ◽  
pp. 772-785
Author(s):  
Yvonne Cleary

This chapter explores the development of online support for writing skills in one technical communication module taught at the University of Limerick. It demonstrates the need for writing support by exploring the many complexities of teaching and learning writing skills. Central to the discussion is the principle of process, rather than product, orientation. Students on the module have been surveyed over the past two years to determine their attitudes to, and perceptions of, their writing strengths and weaknesses. The chapter outlines and exemplifies the types of writing-problems students and instructors identify. Online support is posited as an intervention which facilitates autonomous learning. The chapter concludes by discussing how online resources, and especially the university virtual learning environment, Sakai (called Sulis at University of Limerick), can support students. It also suggests related research opportunities, especially in the area of using Web 2.0 technologies to foster autonomy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Arien Kartika

Along with the increasing popularity of Project-Based Learning (PBL), teachers are aware of the benefits of PBL to implement it in their classroom. The literature has shown that the use of PBL can enhance students' skills, ability, and interest while learning because it focuses on students learning process than the teaching process. However, in a context in Indonesia, there is still a lack of research perceptions of PBL especially in the Critical reading class and collected data to determine if PBL has positive impacts on students learning in the university. The research is aimed at investigating students' perceptions about PBL by implementing a half-semester project in the Critical Reading class. This study employed a mixed-method that includes both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis by involving undergraduate students of the 4th semester who take a critical reading class in Universitas Sebelas Maret. It is expected to show us an example of PBL practice in critical reading class and how students thought about its implementation and improvement. This study provides a students' perceptions of PBL in critical reading class. The results add to the findings and discussion on what makes the method of teaching PBL more successful and have practical implications for classroom teaching.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam MERKVILADZE

Throughout the years educators, educational experts, teachers and tutors have been in the constant search of effective ways of teaching and assessing writing. The views about assessment of writing have encountered changes over the years. Therefore, feedback has become one of the fundamental aspects of teaching and learning writing. Peer feedback is one of the special ways to share the knowledge about writing and at the same time to contribute to creating the learner-oriented classroom environment within which students become active participants of their own path of learning writing. The primary objective of the present study is to investigate Georgian higher educational institutions’ (HEIs’) undergraduate EFL students’ perception of peer feedback and its role in the process of developing their writing skills. The findings of the present study show that peer feedback is appealing for the learners, since they believe it develops their critical-thinking and self-reviewing skills and gives them the sense of active participation. However, the present research has also revealed that the elements of friendship-related bias need special attention and should be the subject of further research in that field. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Abdul Hameed Panhwar ◽  
Shah Nawaz Barich ◽  
Syed Khuram Shahzad

The present study is based on a chapter of the PhD project conducted by the main researcher. It aims to explore the ESL teaching and learning practices in a Pakistani university by focusing on difficulties perceived and confronted by learners and teachers, and solutions suggested by them. One of the most significant issues at the university is large classes-exceeding to 100 and more students on average. The main researcher, being an ESL teacher at the target university, faced the same problem of large size and found it difficult to teach these classes. He embarked on analysing the situation so that he might come across some solutions through the suggestions and experiences of the ESL teachers and students of the same university. The design of the study is descriptive and the results of the present study come from the quantitative data collected through student and teacher questionnaires. The Student-participants were 300 undergraduate students from various major subjects attending English language support classes and 22 ESL teachers teaching these English language support classes at different institutes of the university. The data were analysed descriptively and presented with help of the boxplots. The views, commonly held by teachers are supported by the study&rsquo;s findings i.e., large classes are likely to endorse teacher-centred approaches of teaching; very little significant student-student and teacher-student interaction is practised because of the inadequate physical environment; majority of learners remain off-task and appear to be unruly and they are given little, if any, feedback on their in-class and home tasks. Conversely, many teachers and learners reported that the adoption of group/pair work is likely to be an effective technique to use in these classes. Albeit a few teachers revealed having adopted group work infrequently, none used it all the time.


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